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9 Best Cheap 2-Stage Snow Blowers 2018-2019

9 Best Cheap 2-Stage Snow Blowers 2018-2019

Let’s be practical. There are cheap snow blowers and then there is junk. This is a list of the cheapest snow blowers that I can recommend on the market today. These snow blowers are from reliable companies that have real local servicing dealers and parts availability. All will clear your one-two car driveway in areas that average 40-60 inches of snow a year. All of the snow blowers on this list have reliable engines and tires with a good snow tread design. As long as you are in no hurry they will handle 2-10 inches of snow and the occasional 18-20 inch drift well. Yes, most will plug if you try to move wet snow.

Troy-Bilt Storm 2460

If you live in an area that gets heavy-wet snow (for example, Boston or Long Island) these are not the best choice. I suggest a higher HP, higher capacity 24-inch snow blower like the Ariens Deluxe 24.

All of the snow blowers on this list use a solid axle. That means both wheels spin all the time so when you turn the inside wheel keeps spinning. For smaller people or people with bad backs that can make these snow blowers hard to use.

All of these snow blowers now use a 208cc engine and include a 110-volt electric start. That gives you around 6 1/2 HP compared to your old 179cc 5 HP. These snow blowers will all throw snow farther and faster than your old one.

Before I show you the list I have one more very important item to discuss – fuel.

The biggest issue with small gas engines today is they won’t start when you want them to. But the Number One reason they won’t start is bad fuel – not something wrong with the snow blower’s engine. Today’s pump gas starts to go bad after only 30 days of sitting around your garage in an old vented gas can. Here are a few tips to help:

DO NOT fill your new snowblower with the gas you have sitting around in your garage. Pour that old fuel in your vehicle and go buy fresh 87 Octane fuel. Today’s engines are designed to run on E10 or less 87 Octane fuel. Here are three other solutions to help your snow blower start every time.

Buy a new gas can. The latest gas cans are sealed so the fuel doesn’t go bad as fast. The ones I recommend pour very well. Check them out here: Paul’s Amazon Influencer Page.

Use a fuel stabilizer. I always put 2 tablespoons per gallon of SeaFoam in my fuel when I go buy it. That way the fuel is always treated and it will last me over a year. before it goes bad. Check it out here: Paul’s Amazon Influencer Page.

Use TruFuel or similar pure gas. It’s expensive compared to gas but it has a 2-year shelf life. I use it in the snow blowers I test but don’t use very often and they all start on the first pull. Check it out here: Paul’s Amazon Influencer Page.

$699 or less:

Spending about $699 gives you a high arc long chute so the snow blower throws the snow farther and you can place it where you want it. Some of these snow blowers like the Ariens and Toro even have a remote deflector control for even more control of the snow. All of these snow blowers have larger 13-inch tires and have a lot more traction than the $599 snow blowers listed at the end of this article.

Feel free to ask questions in the comments below. Please click on the “Buy Here” link to read more details about the snow blower you are interested in.

This snow blower has a lot to offer for the price and I have a feeling it will quickly become The Home Depot’s best selling snow blower. For my Mid-Western 2 car, 70-foot driveway, brick patio, and turf that I clear for my dogs – it is a perfect size.

There are three unique features of the Troy-Bilt 2460 that allow me to put it as Number One on this list.

Airless Tires. I’ve been using Troy-Bilt snow blowers with the airless tires for a couple of years now and I really like how much traction they have and how easy the snow blower turns. Even on a solid axle snow blower like this one, they are surprisingly easy to use.

Poly Skid Shoes. The long poly skids don’t leave brown rust marks on your pavement or patio and they last a long time.

Now Sold At The Home Depot. I am very excited that Troy-Bilt is now available through the Home Depot. Over the last five years, Home Depot has quietly become the online leader in outdoor power equipment. They are very easy to work with if you have a problem with your snow blower. They will help you set up service if you have the standard factory warranty and if you decide to purchase one of their protection plans – the price is reasonable and will repair your equipment as quickly as possible.

The Ariens Classic gets great reviews for its size and price. The Classic features an all steel remote chute and deflector. In fact, it’s a solid machine with more metal parts than the other snow blowers on this list. Be aware that the Classic has snap-ring pins that hold the wheels on the axle. With one of the pins moved to the freewheel position the snow blower will turn easily – but you lose half your traction. The snow blower comes from the factory with one of the pins in the freewheel position so it’s easy to move around the sales floor. You will want to move the pin to the locked position when you use it the first time

Like most of the snow blowers on this list, it does not have a headlight. It also does not have an easy to use chute rotation. For example, with the #1 Troy-Bilt above you can move the chute quickly from one side to the other with just 2 1/2 turns of the crank. This snow blower requires many more turns. It is very light compared to the other snow blowers on this list (about 170 lbs) so it will have more traction issues in deeper snow.

I’m listing this Poulan Pro because many owners like it but I’m not going to recommend it right now. A lot of owners have complained that the plastic dash cracks after a year or so of use. Many also complain that the chute doesn’t stay in position and wanders around while you are blowing snow.

You can feel confident that every snow blower in the Toro is built well and built to last. The 724 OE is no exception. The Toro Power Max is listed on all the websites right now for $799 but there is a rumor that Toro is dropping the price to $699. Let’s watch and see what happens.

$599 or less:

Do you remember that small MTD snow blower you or your neighbor owned 15-20 years ago? It had a 5 hp Tecumseh or Briggs engine? It threw snow – not very far – but it did get that 6-8 inches of snow off your driveway. It handled the snow plow drift at the end of your driveway as long as you got out there early in the morning before it froze into a rock hard wall.

The only disadvantages that these snow blowers have a short chute and hard to use chute rotation. The old style short chute limits as to how far the snow blower throws the snow and since it does not have a remote defector it harder to aim the snow just where you want it. This is especially irritating when the snow is light and fluffy – the snow blows all over and most of it in your face 🙂

If you are interested in either of these snow blowers please click on the “buy here” link to read more on the Sears or Home Depot site.

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About The Author

About Paul Sikkema
Paul Sikkema has been writing about snow blowers, riding mowers and other lawn and garden equipment for over 10 years. Paul does most his writing out in his workshop where he feeds the wildlife and birds in the yard. His goal is to have a red squirrel eating out of his hand.
He spends as much time with his granddaughter as he can.

23 Comments

James Scott Beran

I have an 80 x 8 driveway and only 14 feet between houses so I have to blow and reblow to get the snow to the front yard or back yard. Then the tough part where the snow plow blocks my driveway. I also get drifts at times and need drift cutters. I have no problem with a manual run chute as it is bullet proof. Electric start to me means either battery or plug in. I want plug in. I’m 74 years old. I’m limping through what is left of the winter this year as it is Feb. 9, 2019 with a machine that slips from first to reverse. I fixed that 2 years ago and the problem is back. Sears blower. We might not have another snow. I plan to shop for the snowblower in the summer when the deals might be better. I don’t mind paying for a quality machine. Concrete driveway.

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February 9, 2019

Paul

Hi James, The Ariens Deluxe 24 has the most throw for a 24 inch snow blower. Most of the time it will throw snow 40 feet.

As you most likely know Stanley, Black & Decker (SBD) purchased the Craftsman name this year – but not the products. What that means for snow blowers is they will be independently developing their own line of Craftsman snow blowers, parts, and repair network.

The model numbers are completely different. You will have to get parts, warranty work, and service through Stanley, Black & Decker. Apparently, Craftsman.com was also sold to SBD and currently states,

(Specifically for Snow Throwers:) WARRANTY SERVICE
With proof of sale, call this number to obtain the warranty coverage stated below: 1-888-331-4569.

The four Craftsman (SBD) models currently for sale at Lowes are made by MTD

but it is more than i’d like to spend. would appreciate your help on this.

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January 15, 2019

Paul

Hi Waseem, They are the same snow blower – just different names on it.

I have no idea how long it will last for you. I don’t know how much area you have to clear, how much snow you get and how you maintain your equipment. I do know that Troy-Bilt has an extensive nation-wide service and parts network – if you have problems just ask Home Depot where to take it. At this time Craftsman at Lowes has no service network.

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January 16, 2019

Waseem

Thanks Paul! Much appreciated.

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January 16, 2019

tony altomare

HI PAUL I`M UNDECIDED ON WHICH SNOWBLOWER I SHOULD BUY TROY-BILT 24” 2410 208cc OR CRAFTSMAN 24′ 600 208cc I HAVE A TWO CAR DRIVEWAY THANK YOU TONY

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December 15, 2018

Paul

Hi Tony, Physically, the two snow blowers are the same. So, it comes down to where you want to buy them from.

The Craftsman 600 at Lowes is made by MTD for Stanley, Black & Decker. As you know SBD purchased Craftsman this year. They are new to the gas-powered Lawn & Garden area and the last time I looked they don’t have a nationwide parts, warranty and service network set up yet. Right now you have to call an 800 number to obtain parts or service.

The Troy-Bilt 2410 at The Home Depot is by MTD for Troy-Bilt. Troy-Bilt is owned by MTD and has been around for many, many years. They have a complete nationwide parts, warranty and service network. You can also purchase any part for your snow blower online directly from troybilt.com.

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December 15, 2018

chris

Hi Paul, I am so confused. I would like to buy my son a snow blower for xmas. Live in RI he only has a 2 cars side by side drive way and maybe 5 more feet behind cars, with a slight slope. Not sure which would be better the Toro 721 or the Craftsman 24″ 208cc Dual-Stage Snowblower 88781. What would you recommend.

Paul

chris

thank you so much! Happy Holidays….

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December 9, 2018

Vik P

How about Sno Tek 24″?

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November 27, 2018

Paul

Hi Vik P, Sorry your comment got caught in the Spam folder – I just found it. Even though Home Depot still has a few for sale the SnoTek has been replaced with the Ariens Classic. Same snow blower, same price, better engine and new orange paint.

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December 2, 2018

Ravi Chadha

One more follow up question Paul….How do you feel about the Troy Bilt 2460 with the airless tires versus the Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE for my wife to use (when I travel)…i.e. the personal pace feature of the QXE vs the pwer drive of the 2460?

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November 18, 2018

Paul

Hi Ravi, The SnowMaster is fast but the Troy-Bilt will handle the snow plow drift at the end of the driveway a lot better. The airless tires are easy enough for her to use on your driveway. You can take her to the store and let her play with it on the concrete. Just remember it will be harder turn in the store than out on the driveway.

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November 18, 2018

Ravi Chadha

Paul, Terrific website and advice! I live Chicago Northshore (halfway to Milwaukee)… Am debating the Troybilt 2460, Craftsman 600 or one fo the PowerSmart models…or even a Craftsman. Your preference? (I read all above)…Also, any thoughts on purchasing a craftsman from Sears themselves? (I am worried about service now that they are going out of business…will Lowes honor the service? Thanks.

Lowes is not responsible for warranty repairs to Craftsman products. Stanley, Black and Decker (SBD) has a phone number you call to get parts and service 888-331-4569. I’m not sure if they have a repair network set up at this time but I expect them to have it up and running early next spring.

I expect Sears Craftsman’s parts (searpartsdirect.com) and sears repair services to continue even if the company goes belly up. These divisions continue to be very profitable and I’m sure someone will buy them up if Sears dies. Sears Craftsman parts numbering system and their warranties are completely separate from SBD and Lowes so I don’t expect any free help from them for your Sears Craftsman. They won’t have a parts cross reference to figure out what part is needed.

PowerSmart. You get what you pay for and in today’s market, you really need to spend $699 or more to get a snow blower that will last. The way I understand it is if you have an issue with PowerSmart products you call or email them. They will send you the part if it’s still under warranty and it’s your responsibility to make the repair.

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November 18, 2018

William Barman

Paul, What do you think of the new Toro Power Smart DB7622 E 22 inch 2 stage snow blower. Home Depot has it listed for less money than the Power Master single stage. Thx. Bill

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November 10, 2018

Paul

Hi William, You get what you pay for. When you buy the cheapest snow blower on the market you may get one year of use – most people get one or two uses (not years) before it breaks.

A reasonable inexpensive 2-stage will cost you around $699.

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November 10, 2018

Karen Arnett

Hi Paul, Costco has what is called a Jonsered 24″ 305cc 2 Stage Snow Thrower M#ST2261E, would that be a good buy? 305cc Briggs Engine, Single Hand Control, Remote Shute Rotation, 23″ intake heights, Electric Start, Manual Steering, adjustable Loop Handle. I live north of Detroit, MI, no lake effect snow, just the normal stuff. Corner lot, and it’s a lot to clear. Thanks for the help.

Here is why I don’t recommend the CostCo snow blower: I don’t write a specific article on the Costco/Sam’s Club “Specials.” But I’ll give you an answer I gave someone else last week.

Jonsered is one of the brand names owned by Husqvarna. The other name they use on inexpensive snow blowers is Poulan Pro. That said,

Every year Costco talks a manufacturer into selling them a snow blower they can sell cheap – yet make tons of money on. It’s usually a brand you recognize but there is always something weird about it. In this case, it’s a standard snowblower – very much like your normal Craftsman or Cub Cadet – with an oversized engine. In addition, it’s an engine brand that the manufacturer normally doesn’t use on snow blowers sold in the U.S. The “real” Jonsered snow blowers all have the good LCT overhead valve snow engine, not a Briggs.

So, if you buy it you will get a snow blower that will blow snow farther than your old machine but it will have no more capacity. You may also have more problems with breaking belts on that machine because the engine has much more power than what the snow blower was designed for. Since you bought it at Costco it will have no support. If it breaks you will have to find a Jonsered snow blower dealer to get parts or have it repaired. Costco may have a great warranty but does that warranty cover gas powered equipment? Will the replace it if it doesn’t start? Will, they repair it or is it farmed out to someplace that will let your snow blower sit out back for 6 months before it gets fixed?

Paul:
I had a chuckle over this. “Do you remember that small MTD snow blower you or your neighbor owned 15-20 years ago? It had a 5 hp Tecumseh or Briggs engine?” I’m still using one. Tecumseh engine. And it starts with first pull, every time. It breaks my heart, but on the prowl for a new machine for this winter. Thank you for the great, detailed information you post. I’m awaiting reviews on the 18-19 lineups.

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August 21, 2018

I'll be glad you help you find the best snow blower. Please tell me the city, state and how large an area you want to clear. Cancel reply